Fifteen floral professionals have earned their letters, signifying their professionalism and commitment to the industry. 

Six professionals will be inducted into the Society of American Florists’ (SAF) American Academy of Floriculture (AAF), and nine professionals will be inducted into Professional Floral Communicators – International (PFCI) during the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner at SAF Amelia Island 2026, the association’s 141st annual convention Aug. 18-20 in Amelia Island, Florida. 

“As Chairperson of the Awards Committee, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand the extraordinary accomplishments of this year’s inductees,” said Philadelphia-based floral freelancer, educator and consultant Renee Tucci, AIFD, PFCI. “Their creativity, leadership, service, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the floral industry. It is an honor to recognize these outstanding individuals and celebrate the contributions they continue to make to our profession.” 

American Academy of Floriculture 

The AAF designation recognizes floral professionals who have shown a profound commitment to serving both the industry and their local community. This year’s inductees have shared their artistic and business acumen with their peers and students alike.  

“The floral industry has been my second family for as long as I can remember,” says Kristin Gilliland, president of Gardens America in Doral, Florida, a member of SAF’s Convention Committee, a trustee of the American Floral Endowment, and a new member of the American Academy of Floriculture. “Over the years, I have built incredible friendships that have enriched my life far beyond business. Ours is a resilient, optimistic, and relationship-driven community, and I am grateful to be a part of it.  It has been an honor to continue paying it forward, as so many have done for me.” 

The 2026 inductees include: 

Irving Casiano, Flower Shop Network, Paragould, Arkansas 

Sarah Ekberg, AIFD, PFCI, Lazy Acres Decor & Floral, Wakefield, Nebraska 

Kristin Gilliland, Gardens America, Doral, Florida 

Corrine Heck, PFCI, Details Flower Software, Ormond Beach, Florida 

Andreia Muller, AIFD, FSMD, PFCI, The Flower Studio, Oxford, Florida  

Dani Pritt, AzMF, Cactus Flower Florists, Scottsdale, Arizona 

Inductees had to submit evidence of their community service along with two letters of recommendation from existing AAF members. Inductees also had to meet criteria proving their commitment to the industry, such as membership and leadership roles within local, regional, state, or national floral organizations. SAF’s Awards Committee reviews applications and selects inductees who meet the rigorous standards. 

Professional Floral Communicators – International 

PFCI is a network of professional floral business educators who have proven their ability to speak authoritatively about the industry. They are highly sought after as speakers and educators for their expertise on topics including principles and elements of floral design, emerging trends and profitability. 

For many years, Mirella “Mimi” Pacheco, marketing director for Jet Fresh Flower Distributors in Doral, Miami, has witnessed PFCI members in action, enlightening visitors during the SAF Outstanding Varieties Competition with tips for design applications, color pairings, maximizing vase life and more.  

“I developed a deep appreciation for the educational value of that room, and seeing PFCI members serve as educators and ambassadors for the industry inspired me to become a part of the group,” she says. Additionally, she and her boss, Jet Fresh owner Michael Black, believed the PFCI designation could bolster the credibility of their weekly podcast, The Fresh Bunch, and pushed each other to pursue accreditation.  

The 2026 inductees include:  

Martha Aaron, AIFD, CEJ, TMF, Mountain High Flowers, Sedona, Arizona 

Michael Black, Jet Fresh Flower Distributors, Doral, Florida 

Cortnie Davis, Cortnie Dee Consulting, Dallas, Texas 

Lane DeVries, AAF, CalFlowers, Arcata, California 

Melissa Maas, AIFD, Bank of Flowers, Menomonee Falls and Pewaukee, Wisconsin 

Mirella “Mimi” Pacheco, Jet Fresh Flower Distributors, Doral, Miami 

Monty Pereira, AAF, Watanabe Floral, Honolulu, Hawaii 

J Ross Railey, AIFD, CEJ, J Designs and Events LLC, Minettte, Alabama 

Lea Romanowski, AIFD, CAFA, Designing on the Edge, Calgary, Alberta, Canada 

Inductees had to submit proof of their work, including video of a program presentation, and three letters of recommendation from existing PFCI members or show sponsors. PFCI’s Board of Trustees reviews applications and selects inductees who meet the rigorous standards. 

Katie Vincent is the senior contributing editor for the Society of American Florists.